Mic's Picks: Bird Magazines Worth Reading

Photo Caption: Northern Flicker, Credit: Richard Derevan/Audubon Photography Awards

By Mic McCarty, Field Trip Coordinator

Birders have several magazines to choose from for learning about birds and related issues. I subscribe to five and recommend them all. Here are some key points to help you pick one to expand your knowledge and enjoyment.

Members of the Tampa Audubon Society receive subscriptions to both the Audubon Florida Naturalist magazine and the national publication, Audubon. The Audubon Florida magazine is distributed via PDF email, while the national magazine is in print format.

Audubon Florida Naturalist

Audubon Florida Naturalist is distributed via PDF email to members of the Tampa Audubon Society. The publication covers topics like conservation and birding specific to Florida and provides updates on local advocacy efforts, habitat protection, and success stories within the state's birding community. Each issue features in-depth reporting on ongoing environmental campaigns.

Audubon

The fall 2025 edition of Audubon magazine featured the results of the annual photography awards. You can see the stunning results here, https://www.audubon.org/magazine/2025-audubon-photography-awards-winners. Other recurring bylines include editorials, letters to the editor, field notes, and many other articles on interest to birders.

Birding by the American Birding Association

The American Birding Association publishes eight magazines annually, catering to a wide range of interests for birders. Among these, one issue is dedicated to the North American Birds Journal, which examines avian records and trends across the continent. The other editions are all called Birding. Other issues highlight travel destinations, birding gear, photography and more. Membership to the ABA is required to subscribe – $30 digital subscription, $60 regular subscription.

BWD

BWD, is the resurrected version of the venerable Bird Watchers Digest. BWD is focused on birdwatching and the enjoyment of birds. It offers a mix of articles that cover bird identification, birding experiences, conservation topics, and practical tips for both novice and experienced birders. Readers can choose between $15 digital-only or combined $26[1] print and online subscriptions. The magazine is known for its reader-friendly style and a variety of columns that help deepen both knowledge and appreciation of birding. https://bwdmagazine.com/scripts/subscriptions/

Living Bird by Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Another excellent option for bird enthusiasts is Living Bird, the quarterly magazine published by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. A subscription provides readers with access to beautifully illustrated articles on bird science, conservation, and birding adventures, featuring insights from leading ornithologists and stunning photography. Living Bird is available in print and digital formats, and membership to the Cornell Lab includes a subscription, keeping you informed about the latest research and trends in the world of birds while supporting important conservation work. One recent article explored the importance of Northern Flickers as a keystone species and their interrelatedness with many other animals. $39 https://join.birds.cornell.edu/page/145149/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=ENR

[1] October 14, 2025